Surgeon s splint



Patented Sept. I3, I898.

J. C. MCBETH.

SURGEONS SPLINT.

(Application' filed Mar. 21, 1898.)

(No Model.)

fie. 5.

r noiims PETERS c0 FHDTO-LITHO.. WASHINGTON, a, c.

UNTTF TTES JOSEPH O. MCBETH, OF DENVER, COLORADO.

SURGEONS SPLINT.

SPECIFICATION formingpart of Letters Patent N 0. 610,866, dated September 13, 1898.

Application filed March 21, 18985 Serial No. 674,594. (No model.)

To all whom it may concern.-

Be it known that I, J OSEPH C. MCBETH, a citizen of the United States of America, residing at Denver, in the county of Arapahoe and State of Colorado, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Surgeons Splints; and I do declare the following to be a full, clear, and exact description of the invention, such as will enable others skilled in the art to which it appertains to make and use the same, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, and to the figures of reference marked thereon, which form a part of this specification.

My invention relates to improvements in surgeons splints, my object being to provide an instrument of this class especially adapted for use on fractured lower limbs and adapted to aid the surgeon in the'care of them, as well as to afford comfort to the patient and insure the speedy return of the limb to normal conditions.

My further object is to avoid by the use of my improved splint the possibility of deformity or permanent injury resulting from a fractured lower limb, since no special skill is required in properly caring for the injured member when my device is employed; and to these ends the invention consists of the features, arrangements, and combinations hereinafter described and claimed, all of which will be fully understood by reference to the accompanying drawings, in which is illustrated an embodiment thereof.

In the drawings, Figure 1 is a top view of my improved instrument applied to the limb. Fig. 2 is a longitudinal section takenthrough the instrument, the foot being shown in side elevation and the limb broken away. Fig. 3 is a section taken on the line 00 :r, Fig. 1, viewed in the direction of the arrow. Fig. 4 is a fragmentary detail view illustrating the adj ustin g-screw. Fig. 5 is a perspective view illustrating a piece of cloth employed in connection with my improved device.

Similar reference characters indicating corresponding paris in the views, let the nu- 1neral5 designate each of two parallel side pieces connected by two separated cross-bars 6 and 7, which protrude through apertures formed in the side pieces 5. The bar 7 is apertured outside of the side pieces to receive pins 7, which hold the bar in place. The protruding extremities 6 of the bar 6 have no pins or other fastening devices, thus allowing the separation of the sides 5 to a limited extent in case it should become necessary or desirable so to do, the openings for the bar 7 being so shaped as to make this practicable. The bars 6 and 7, however, have no movement longitudinally in the side pieces 5, and hence may be termed stationary bars whenconsidered with reference to the crosshead or movable bar 8, which is located between the bars 6 and 7. These extremities of the cross-head are provided with tongues 8 adapted to travel in grooved ways formed in the side pieces 5 between the two parts 6 and 7. Journaled in the two parts 6 and 7 is a set-screw 9, threaded to engage a nut 10, applied to the cross-head 8. the screw 9, which is provided with a suitable protruding head for the purpose, the cross-head 8 may be adjusted for the purpose hereinafter explained.

To thecross-bar 6 is applied a vertical footpiece 12, provided with a screw or other suitable lug or projection 13, attached to its rear surface or that toward the left, referring to Figs. 1 and 2.

Suitably attached to the side pieces 5, forward of the foot-piece 12, is a flexible perforated support 14, preferably composed of soft leather, but which may consist of any suitable material. This part 14 is attached to the side pieces 5 by means of strings or cords passed through eyelets or apertures formed in the upper edge of the said support and apertures formed in the adjacent parts of the side pieces 5. The extreme forward parts of the side pieces 5 are provided with openings 5. (See Fig. 2.) I

In using my improved splint the limb is placed in the position shown in Figs. 1 and 2, resting on the perforated support lei and with the foot occupying a position adjacent the upright piece 12. A piece of cloth 15,

provided with two tailpieces 15, (see Fig. 5,) is then applied by the use of adhesive plaster to the heel of the foot, (see Fig. 2,) the tails 15 being carried upwardly over the top of the foot-piece 12 and thence downwardly and fastened to the screw or projection 13, thus supporting the limb in the properposition. Simil-Ience by turning- Fig. 5,) are then applied to the ankle on each side of the foot and to the limb on each side of the knee. The ankle extensions are passed over the stationary bar 6 on opposite sides of the foot-piece 12 and fastened to the movable cross-head 8, while the knee extensions are carried forward and the tails passed through the apertures 5 and fastened to the side pieces 5 of the instrument. After this is done the cross-head 8 is moved backward or toward the left (see Figs. 1 and 2) by giving the screw 9 as many turns as the relaxation of the muscles permit.

It is a well-known fact in surgery that the muscles of the fractured limb naturally contract and draw the fractured or broken bone extremities out of line with each other, causin g them to overlap. The function of the setscrew 9 and the cross-head 8 is to overcome this contraction of the muscles sufficiently to allow the broken bone extremities to assume their natural position in apposition to each other. This can only be gradually accomplished. Hence the surgeon in charge of the limb gives the screw a few turns at a time each day or at suitable intervals. The gentle strain on the muscles resulting from the pull of the extensions 15 as the screw 9 is turned causes the gradual relaxation of the muscles until the bone extremities are allowed to occupy the proper relative positions. After this occurs the screw is no longer turned, as the cross-head needs no further movement, and no trouble is then experienced in curing the limb within a reasonable time without deformity or shortening. The perforations of the support 14: allow the air access to the bandaged limb, which is thus kept as cool and comfortable as possible.

From the foregoing description it will be understood that my improved splint permits free access to the bandaged portion of the limb, allowing the surgeon to examine it each day or as often as may be deemed advisable or necessary. Hence no possible mistake can be made as to the real condition of the limb.

The Schulltitic bandage should always be used in dressing the limb in order to obtain the best results from the use of my improved splint.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim is- 1. In a surgeons splint, the combination of two parallel or approximately parallel side pieces, two separated bars connecting the side pieces near one extremity, a cross-head engaging the side pieces between the bars, a setscrew journaled in the bars and engaging a threaded opening in the cross-head, an upright piece attached to the forward bar, and a limbsupport attached to the side pieces forward of the foot-piece.

2. In a surgeons splint, the combination of two side pieces, a suitable connection between the side pieces near one extremity, a movable bar or cross-head connecting the side pieces in proximity to the said connection, suitable means for adjusting the cross-head, an upright foot-piece attached to the said connection between the side pieces, and a limb-support attached to the side pieces forward of the foot-piece.

3. In a surgeons splint, thecombination of two side pieces, a connection between them, a cross-head adjustable between the side pieces, a stationary foot-piece, and a limb-support located forward of the foot-piece.

4. In a surgeons splint, the combination of two parallel side pieces, two cross-bars connecting the side pieces near one extremity, a cross-head located between the two bars and connected with the'side pieces by tongues and grooves, a set-screw journaled in the stationary bars and en gagin ga nut on the cross-head, an upright foot-piece attached to the forward stationary bar and having a projection on its rear surface, a flexible perforated support for the limb located forward of the foot-piece and detachably connected with the side pieces, the forward extremities of the side pieces being apertured for the purpose set forth.

In testimony whereof I affix my signature in presence of two witnesses.

' JOSEPH O. MCBETH.

Witnesses:

G. J. ROLLANDET, A. J. OBRIEN. 

